Using Technology to Teach Art, Music and Special Education

1. Using Technology to Teach Art, Music and Special Education By Tara Ciesiolka and Nikki Stevens

2. Integrating Technology and Music • Technology can be used to download music for sites such as I-Tunes inexpensively. • There are many websites that have activities to teach music to children. Some websites even simulate the playing of an instrument. • Software can also be purchased to teach music. • Technology can be used to add music to presentations or student made movies to promote learning in all areas of content.

3. I-Tunes • It is an expensive sources to download music. Generally $0.99 per song. • I-tunes is being used more regularly by music teachers to teach songs and to assist with school music programs. • Teachers can also use I-Tunes to download free podcasts to supplement learning in other subject areas.

4. Websites that Promote Learning Music There are many websites that promote the learning of music. They have interactive activities to promote learning. The activities promote music fundamentals, theory, and the playing of instruments.

5. The Music Tech Teacher www.musictechteacher.com This site offers…… • Theory information • Piano practice • Games • Quizzes in different music areas

6. Adding Music to Student Work • Music can be used to add interest to student work and presentations in various other content areas. • Some uses would include Power Point presentations and Windows Movie Maker movies. • Teachers can also use music in their own personal websites and blogs created for their students.

7. An example of Music usage in a Windows Movie Maker Presentation about Recycling

8. Other uses of Technology to Teach Music • CD’s and CD players can be used in music lessons. • Less inexpensive electric instruments can be used to teach playing basics. • Music appreciation can be taught by using DVD’s of performances of different types of music.

9. Integrating Technology and Art • Websites offer a great way for students to create an online media gallery of their art. • Digital cameras, web cameras, camcorders, scanners, printers, and computers are all avenues to integrate art with technology. • Many websites offer ideas and lesson plans on integrating art into the classroom. • Computer programs and software that are available for students to use technology in creating their art.

10. Using Websites to Create Art Galleries • There are many free websites out there such as Pbwiki.com that students can use to display their art. • Online art galleries are a great way for parents to see students work. • An example of a site that displays an online web gallery is: • http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/ereports_kids.htm

11. Using Technology to Create Art • Digital cameras, web cameras, camcorders, scanners, printers, and computers are all avenues to integrate art with technology. • Students have the opportunity to create their own creative ideas in a new age technique. • Opportunities are endless when using technology to display art in the classroom.

12. A Few Websites that Support Art & Technology: • http://www.des.umassd.edu/artslinks/tac/home.html • Contains lesson plans for integrating art & technology • Displays students work • Created for grades k-12 • http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com/ • Lesson plans that incorporate technology & art with science, math, social studies, language arts. • Study Section • Educational Games • Teacher lounge

13. Computer Software & Programs Available • PowerPoint • Excel • Paint • Photoshop • Websites-pbwiki.com • Windows Movie Maker • Youtube • I-tunes • And the list goes on…..

14. Integrating Technology & Special Education • Single- switch technologies • Computer Assisted Instruction • Classroom Communication System • Word Prediction Software • Augmentative and alternative communication devices • Frequency- Modulated Amplification Systems

15. Integrating Technology & Special Education • Computer Assisted Instruction • Helps students work at their own pace. There is computer simulation software

16. Integrating Technology & Special Education • Single- switch technologies- used for students who have trouble with their motor skills. Single switch allows students to operate the mouse without needing to apply pressure on the button. • http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2003-08/ss0303_50.pdf

17. Integrating Technology & Special Education • Classroom Communication System- “Classtalk” enables every student to participate in every class exercise, displays the results to the teacher, and electronically monitors, analyzes, grades, and archives the results. • This can help the student stay focused since it requires them to give a response within 10-15 minutes. This can encourage them to pay closer attention to the lesson material since they know they have to provide an answer. • This can improve cognition and learning • This consists of a Teacher's Computer (Macintosh), interactive course ware, a Classtalk network and student devices which can be shared by 2 to 3 students. • http://www.bedu.com/Newsletterarticle/SpecialEd.html

18. Integrating Technology & Special Education • Word Prediction Software • Reduces the number of keystrokes that are required to type words and provides assistance with spelling for students of various ability levels. When the student begins to type in a word the computer suggest words that they are trying to type. And when the desired word pops up the student can select it (sort of like T-9, or Word, with text messaging.)

19. Integrating Technology & Special Education • Augmentative and alternative communication ( AAC) devices • Students can communicate through word selection devices, pictures, and graphs.

20. Integrating Technology & Special Education • Frequency- Modulated Amplification Systems • The teacher has a microphone and the students wear a hearing aid so the student can hear what the teacher is teaching. • http://www.futureofchildren.org/usr_doc/vol10no2Art5.pdf

21. The End… Remember…Always integrate technology in music, art and special education! 